NFL Notes: Eagles, Giants, Steelers

Eagles

Eagles rookie Greg Ward Jr. is returning to receiver after playing a few years at quarterback during college. Ward says he’s “getting back in the groove” at receiver right now.

“I knew some of it,” Ward said, Philly.com. “It’s just getting back in the groove at receiver, just staying focused and working on it every single day like everything else.”

Ward is obviously a long shot to make the 53-man roster, given that the Eagles added a few notable veterans including Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. However, a strong showing this summer could lead to him being signed to their practice squad.

Giants

The Giants have Eric Pinkins back playing safety after he switched positions a few times since he was drafted by the Seahawks back in 2014.

Pinkins explained that he took the initiative and offered to play safety for the Giants last year after they suffered some injuries at the position.

“Honestly, I took initiative,” Pinkins said, via Dan Duggan of NJ.com. “I went up to the guy that runs the scout cards because they had two receivers at safety. I was like, ‘I’ll give a way better look than receivers out there.’ So he ended talking to the head man (Ben McAdoo) and I saw him just smirk and shake his head, ‘Yes.’ Then I was like, ‘Yes! It’s my opportunity to show them I can play safety.’ I ended up going back there. Two plays later, (Sterling Shepard) was running a corner route, I picked it and I’ve been playing safety ever since.”

Steelers

Steelers LB Ryan Shazier is hoping to play a full 16-game season this year for the first time in his NFL career.

“I just want to have a full year in general just for myself,” said Shazier, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “I feel like I have the capability of being one of the best players in the NFL. People can’t really see what I can do when I’m not on the field. Your best ability is availability.”

“[Playing a full season] would just show my consistency of being able to be a playmaker for this team, cause turnovers, get the offense back the ball, show people in the league that I can be a dynamic player,” Shazier added.